Tuesday night saw the National Marine Fisheries Service conduct a PowerPoint presentation in Chico that outlined the ambitious project to re-introduce both fall-run and threatened spring-run Chinook salmon to the San Joaquin River, after 60 years of absence due to the construction of Friant Dam.

Impressive in its scope, the project is on a very long timeline, with major reviews due every five years, and a "sunset" date ranging from the year 2025 to never. Primary fish stock for the project will come from the Feather River Hatchery in Oroville.

Introduction of juvenile salmon could come as early as spring of 2014, but may be delayed an additional year or two, depending on when complete connectivity of the San Joaquin's flows with the Delta can be completed.

In addition to the fact that local fish will be used to get this project going, local anglers should also be interested regarding how anglers are considered within the equation of such huge projects. The only such concession in the large presentation was a single terse line: "Angling 'may' be permitted later when population can allow."

I asked for more assurance that anglers would be factored in as the project continues, pointing out in particular that despite overwhelming long-term success right here in Butte County on bringing back the population of spring-run Chinooks in Butte Creek, no salmon angling of any kind on Butte Creek is permitted, nor is it anticipated that it will ever be permitted.

The answer from meeting leader Rhonda Reed of NMFS was far from reassuring, despite the long timeline the project will naturally require. I added that some kind of specific trigger be factored in at a defined level of successful restoration. Reed would not extend beyond the original wording, noting only that anglers would benefit due to additional salmon in the Delta and ocean waters.

New Hal Janssen book

World-renowned flycaster Hal Janssen of Forest Ranch is a member of the California Outdoors Hall of Fame (class of 2010), and has authored or contributed artist works to 21 books on flyfishing. Accordingly, his latest title is being released this week, and is sure to be a must have for local anglers.

Titled "Stillwater Fly-Fishing Secrets," the new 288-page volume is sure to be filled with never-before available information, revolutionary fly patterns and instructions on how to tie and fish them.

Retail price is $49.99, with a few Limited Editions available at higher prices. Available at Chico Fly Shop, Sierra Stream & Mountain in Chico, and Fish First in Chico, along with directly from the author at haljanssen.net.

Don't feed wild animals

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Q-and-A column by Carrie Wilson had an item that stood out this month.

Q: I have been warned three times by a local Sheriff's deputy that the next time I am caught feeding squirrels at the local park, I will get a ticket.

A: The deputy is correct. By feeding wildlife, you are likely disrupting the animal's normal behavior patterns in violation of California Code. It is important not to feed wildlife because feeding brings animals into close proximity with each other, putting them at greater risk of disease, especially from large populations of birds in a relatively small area.

If the animals expect the food, they will stay in the area and may create a public health and water quality issue. If the natural food supply decreases, that is a signal to the animals to move to a different area.

BCFGC meeting

The Butte County Fish and Game Commission will conduct a meeting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11 in conference Room One at the Chico Municipal Center. Agenda items include a Wildlife Officer's report, biologists report, and announcement of financial grants for 2014. The public is welcome.